Before Iceland’s industrial development, pinniped conservation was naturally low on the peoples’ agenda. In a nation with dark, long winters and little wood to burn, seal blubber provided invaluable fuel. Their fur could ward off brutally cold conditions, and their meat was plentiful enough to feed a family for weeks. Up to the 20th Century, therefore, their populations were in steady decline. That is not to say, however, that the intelligence and charm of seals was overlooked by native Icelanders.
There is a fable called ‘the Seal’s skin’ that has endured for centuries in Iceland. It is said that a fisherman discovered a cave with luxurious seal-skins at its mouth; out of sight, in the cave’s depths, he could hear dancing and singing, so he secretly stole one of the skins and locked it in a chest in his house.
On returning to the cave, however, he discovered a beautiful woman weeping. He clothed her and took her home, and though ever distant, and silent around others, she fell in love with him. The two married and had seven children, but the man never told her of the contents of his chest, always keeping the key in the pocket of his everyday clothes.
Picture from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Carolyn Emerick
One Christmas, however, his wife was too sick to join him to a party, and when he walked off in his fineries, he left the key behind. The day he returned, she was nowhere to be found, and he discovered the chest open and the seal skin gone.
He never saw her again, but whenever he went fishing in the ocean, would find a lone seal, whose eyes always seemed to be running tears, circling his boat and driving fish into his net.
Their children also lost their mother that day, but whenever they walked along the seashore, would see the same creature swimming alongside them, tossing them pretty shells. Their last memory of her were the words that she whispered to them before disappearing; ‘Where have I to flee? I have seven kids on land, and seven pups in the sea’.
Photo by Angel Luciano
This tale of the skin-shedding seal, known as the Selkie, is not actually exclusive to Iceland. In the Faroe Islands, the same story exists, but most variations have it that the farmer sought out his wife after she left him, and killed her with her seal-husband.
Scottish and Irish folklore also have Selkies but represent them as beautiful and predatory rather than beautiful and forlorn. It is thus perhaps telling that Icelanders have always had a strange appreciation for the charm and beauty of seals, in spite of the fact that they were hunted to survive.
As the country urbanised in the 20th Century, the hunting of seals became less necessary for survival and dropped. Before large populations could return, however, the 1960s brought back a trend amongst the wealthy for seal fur coats, which had not been so popular since the turn of the century.
Throughout the decade, around 6,000 a year were killed for the fashion industry. The conservationist movement of the 1970s brought this practice into sharp decline, but as of 1982, it was government policy to have ‘bounty’ on seals so that they would have less of an impact on fisheries. Nowadays, a few hundred are killed a year.
Picture from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Anna Municchi
Aside from their habit of snapping up salmon as they swim upriver, seals are carriers of a ringworm that can be passed onto fish. Grey seals also have a habit of biting fish through nets to get at their livers, spoiling the catch and damaging equipment. Therefore, debate regarding how to marry conservation with Iceland’s second largest industry is ongoing in the country.
On the one hand, many argue that the seals are by no means endangered, and local hunting is no threat to the populations. While true, the Icelandic Seal Centre’s research has shown that the overall population is nowhere near as large as it once was, and is in fact shrinking. When compared to seal and sea lion colonies on the nearby Arctic ice and in other parts of the world, Iceland’s pupping and moulting grounds are small and very sparse.
Photo by Pascal Mauerhofer
While more urbanised Icelanders hold less stock in old traditions that may challenge modern international values, some coastal landowners claim that seal hunting is part of their heritage. Many argue that the sale of seal products, which remains legal in Iceland, is vital to their income.
The novelty of buying seal fur has an allure to some visitors, and as tourism has increased, there is some speculation that small-scale seal hunting is increasingly lucrative, and growing accordingly. Arguably similar to whaling, what was once a national tradition, needed for survival, may be thriving today due to foreign curiosity above local needs.
Visitors who seek to appreciate these creatures alive and in their natural habitat, therefore, should be careful of the products they are buying, lest they unintentionally lend their money to a side of the debate they do not agree with. If Iceland’s seal-watching can develop into an international attraction and a more significant part of Iceland’s booming tourism industry, then it is very likely that conservation will be better for the local economy than exploitation, and a change in values will follow.
Photo by Federico Di Dio photography
There are many ways visitors can enjoy the seals without causing them stress or harm. When visiting a hauling ground by foot, slow movements and quiet voices are essential. A reasonable distance should be maintained, especially during the pupping season when mothers are likely to be more defensive; this occurs in the summer months for harbour seals and the late autumn for grey seals.
It is not unusual to be approached by the naturally inquisitive harbour seal, and even though this is rarely a sign of aggression, visitors are encouraged to move away from them for the safety of both.
Under no circumstances should they be touched; doing so can pass infections both ways. Feeding the animals is also strictly forbidden; seals that become reliant on human handouts will lose essential survival skills, venture into human areas that may be a danger to them, and may even develop unnaturally violent behaviour in search of an easy meal.
Photographing them is encouraged, as a wider circulation of images of these creatures in their beautiful natural habitat will help the seal-watching industry grow; just be careful not to use the flash as it may bother them. As a final note, bringing a dog to a hauling or pupping ground puts both animals in danger, and is strongly discouraged.
Photo by Pascal Mauerhofer
When watching seals from a boat, there are a few additional guidelines. Boats should move slowly, with the engine as quiet as possible, so not to be a disturbance. Whoever is steering should try not to separate any individuals in the water from the group they are with, as it may be seen as an aggressive action.
If seals on the beach are paying significant attention to the boat, it may be due to a wariness of the propellers, and they may avoid entering the water to escape injury. In such a case, the boat should be slowly moved away. Of course, regardless of whether or not there are seals, nothing should be thrown overboard.
Seals can be spotted anywhere along the Icelandic coast, at any time during the year; as noted, however, searching the Vatnsnes peninsula is likely to warrant the best results. The optimal viewing time to catch them on the shore is within two hours of low tide.
Like basically every animal on earth, human activities and a rapidly changing climate mean the future of seals is uncertain worldwide. It is heartwarming to see, however, a concerted effort amongst Icelanders and visitors alike to celebrate and protect these creatures on this little island. Seals have been here for longer than any humans, and deserve the opportunity to thrive on the beaches they have always called home.
Seal-watching is an ever-growing industry, and with the help of the Icelandic Seal Centre, is becoming both safer for the pinnipeds and more enjoyable for people. If it can boom further, then it will put to bed old survivalist traditions, and enshrine these amazing animals as part of Iceland’s national identity. There are few other places in the world where you can see these beautiful creatures within such incredible settings, so visitors to Iceland should really make the most of the opportunities to coexist with them peacefully.
A trip to see the La Jolla Cove seals and sea lions in San Diego is a fantastic way to get out and about and see nature! Whether you’re shooting for a family beach trip or peaceful lunch break, you’ll get the most out of the experience if you know a few things going in.
Here’s what you need to know before visiting the La Jolla Cove seals. To learn more about this incredible location including what to do, where to stay, the best La Jolla Cove restaurants, monthly events and happenings and more, visit our Ultimate Guide to the La Jolla Cove.
La Jolla Cove seals or sea lions – what’s the difference? Both seals and sea lions are marine mammals known as pinnipeds, but there are differences:
SealsSea LionsEar holes with no external flapsEars with external flapsInch along land on their belliesCan walk upright on landCovered with fur & have long clawsCovered with skin & have short clawsMake soft, quiet gruntsEmit loud, sharp barksNot only are there seals at La Jolla Cove, but they’re waiting for you to explore! But before you go seal and sea lion watching, take heed of these expert tips to get the most out of your experience. You may also want to tap into La Jolla Seals in This American Life podcast for more fascinating insights into these marvelous creatures.
Firstly, try to find out what parts of the beach are open. While La Jolla Cove is open year-round, the Children’s Pool (Casa Beach) is closed from December 15 to May 15 to protect the newly-born seal pups.
You can still watch from a distance along the sea wall and might even see a birth! If you don’t see any seals directly on the sandy beach at the Cove, direct your gaze towards the rock straight ahead; affectionately known by locals as “Seal Rock,” this is another favorite seal hangout.
We typically see them on the rock closer to sundown, after they have gone out in search of food. Another option is to take a kayak tour, which goes right by many of the seals’ hangout spots.
When it’s open, the Children’s Pool is another great place to watch Pacific Ocean wildlife. Its waters are protected as an underwater park and Ecological Reserve, which means restrictions are put in place to protect all marine mammals and marine life. It’s a ten-minute walk south from the Cove, and makes for a great second stop to continue your seal-watching.
The sea wall (built in 1931 thanks to Ellen Browning Scripps) protects the small swimming cove and provides a calm area for swimming and snorkeling — and for seal sunbathing!
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After you’ve checked out the seals, many people opt to have an outdoors picnic at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, or dine at one of the many restaurants that line the coast.
If you’re more in the mood for staying outdoors, there are plenty of options including snorkeling, kayak tours, scuba diving, surfing, or stand up paddle boarding available at La Jolla Shores. The nearby sea caves provide plenty of opportunity for exploration, including the La Jolla tide pools.
Both locals and tourists have a tendency to take the Cove for granted and forget its natural residents when going swimming or visiting the beach. Don’t leave trash on the La Jolla Cove or Children’s Pool beach or try to feed the seals and sea lions, as both of these activities can harm the animals.
If you’re swimming in an area where seals may be present, keep an eye out so you’re not surprised if one shows up, and stay some distance away. Remember, you are a visitor in their environment, not the other way around.
Whether in the water or on the shore, don’t get too close or take photos with the animals, wave selfie sticks in their faces, or yell at them. Sea lions and seals deserve their space.
Additionally, the group at the La Jolla Cove is better socialized than most groups of seals and sea lions, but they will still bite if they feel threatened. If you have small children, keep an eye on them to prevent them from interacting with the seals.
The term “flushing” was coined to describe the act of scaring a seal or sea lion back into the water. Doing so will cost a hefty $500 fine and can seriously jeopardize both the health and safety of the animal.
La Jolla Cove may naturally be a little stinky from seal and sea lion poop, but visitors adjust to the smell very quickly. However unappealing it might be to human noses, poop actually serves a vital role in the ocean ecosystem!
When seals poop, the nutrients and nitrogen from their deep ocean diet are made available to feed planktons and algae that other animals eat. Without seals, these plants would not get enough nutrients and would die, along with many other species, including the La Jolla leopard sharks. Keep an eye out for these cool creatures during the summer.
The presence of the La Jolla Cove seals and sea lions is being threatened by local litigation that sees the seal odor as hurting nearby commercial interests. If you enjoy getting to witness nature outside of a zoo, consider donating to the Seal Conservatory at sealconservatory.org or contributing your voice to this ongoing political issue.
Once you have La Jolla Cove directions in hand or on your GPS, park early in the day, or park a little further away from the Cove on Girard or Prospect and walk. La Jolla Boulevard fills up very quickly.
There should be handicap parking and reliable sidewalks along La Jolla Boulevard. Depending on your disability, going all the way down to the Children’s Beach, etc. may not be possible because of sandy walkways.
There is street parking (usually with a 2-hour time limit until 6pm on weekdays) along Prospect and Coast Blvd. If it’s too busy to find something on the street, there are a few parking garages in the Village that charge an hourly rate.
Check out our Guide to Free Parking in La Jolla for more information.
While the beach promises fun in the sun, once in a blue moon a problem may arise. If you see a sick or injured seal or sea lion, call the Sea World Mammal Rescue at (800) 541-7325. This group is much more capable of helping than Animal Control.
Likewise, if you see an animal being abused, call the San Diego Police Department at (619) 531-2000 or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Enforcement hotline at (800) 853-1964.
When you’re visiting La Jolla Cove, the best time to see seals is a key factor to get the ultimate marine life experience. Here are some tips on ideal seal and sea lighting sightings in the Cove.
La Jolla Cove seals and sea lions are best seen during the day because that’s when they are most active. Early afternoon or late morning are peak times for ideal seal spotting because this is their golden hour when they are sunning themselves on the rocks in the Cove.
The end of April and early June are the best times of year to see La Jolla Cove seals and sea lions, according to the La Jolla Seal Conservancy.
Ever since the man-made La Jolla Children’s Pool was constructed in 1931, seals and sea lions have been flocking to the area because it is well-protected from choppy waves and harsh conditions. These marine creatures love this area because there’s plenty to eat, sunbathing is excellent, and it’s also relatively safe from predators. Due to these ideal conditions, seals and sea lions have built large populations and remain strong in La Jolla.
Hands down, the Children’s Pool Beach (also called Casa Beach) is the superior spot with the most seals to view. As mentioned, this area is perfect for seals and sea lions because of an abundance of food, and ideal conditions that appeal to the seal lifestyle.
By unanimous vote from the San Diego City Council, La Jolla Cove is closed year-round until 2030. The reason for this is due to ongoing and harmful interactions between seals or sea lions and humans. The decision to close the Cove was necessary to protect pups (babies) and ensure longevity for these amazing marine creatures.
Visiting the La Jolla Cove seals and sea lions is one of the best things to do in La Jolla, and a big part of what makes our coastal community so special.
There’s no doubt that La Jolla Cove seals and sea lions are a huge attraction for locals and tourists alike. But that’s not all LJ has to offer! Our idyllic year-round weather, diverse marine scene, and vibrant community provide endless entertainment and adventure. When you come to LJ Cove, you might find yourself surfing, swimming, or kayaking in the morning, followed by scuba diving or snorkeling at the La Jolla Underwater Park in the afternoon. La Jolla is also known for its superior shopping opportunities and its five-star restaurants, where you can sample just about any delicious cuisine you can imagine. With the promise of endless fun and diverse adventure – La Jolla is definitely a destination that belongs on your bucket list.